“This creates a nationwide immunity against measles, introduce rubella virus for the first time in Zimbabwe and reduce rubella infection in children,” revealed Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa.

In addition, measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection that causes high fever, skin rash, running nose, watery eyes and a cough. The disease mainly affects children below the age of five years.

Measles in unprotected children is serious and can cause severe diarrhoea leading to dehydration, blindness to those with inadequate Vitamin A intake, inflammation of the middle ear, brain damage and death due to pneumonia.

It’s your child’s right Last year, Government recorded 1 024 cases of rubella. The main symptom of rubella is a rash, pink or light red on the face, which then spreads to the chest, stomach, back, arms and legs.

Within about three days, the rash goes away with no staining or peeling of the skin and after it has cleared up the skin may shed small flakes.

Sadly, some religious sects within Zimbabwe are known to refuse their children the immunisation processes resulting in deaths. In collaboration with WHO and UNICEF, the government is encouraging parents to join the campaign.

“The benefits of immunising your child are numerous to you and your family. Let us be part of Zimbabwe government efforts to get rid of vaccine preventable childhood diseases,” noted the operation circular. – tinzwei.com